There is a lot of history regarding the meaning of May Day and May Day celebrations. But the thing I remember most about May Day from when I was a kid, was when my Mom showed my brothers and I how to create a May Basket for our friends and neighbors.

Mom gave us all the things we would need to create our baskets and then we would carefully construct and decorate them. When our baskets were finished, we filled them with colorful candies, small trinkets, and fresh flowers from Mom’s garden. Then came the really fun part! On May 1st, we would carry our baskets to each of our friend’s houses, walking quietly up to the door, trying not to be seen. We’d set a May Basket on the front step or hang it from the door handle, ring the doorbell, then run and hide. We always hid somewhere close by so we could watch our friends open their doors to find their May Basket surprise! After lots of smiles, and after our friends went back inside, we’d sneak away quietly to the next house.

The simple act of making a May Basket and then giving it to our friends, is a memory I will always cherish. Why not make May Baskets with your children, and spread the joy of Spring!

Click our May Day Baskets activity for detailed instructions, tips, and unique ideas to get you started.